In a world where energy conservation and environmental protection are growing concerns, the development of electric vehicle technology has taken an accelerated pace. The 1990s are likely to be the decade in which the long-sought practical, economical electric vehicles will begin to be realized. The paper provides an overview of present status and future trends in electric vehicle propulsion systems, with emphasis on the impact of rapid development of electric motors and power electronics. The challenges of power electronics in other aspects such as battery chargers, electric brakes and other critical applications of electric vehicles are explored. The market size of electric vehicles in the coming years and the potential electric vehicle impacts are discussed.

In a world where energy conservation and environmental protection are growing concerns, the development of electric vehicle technology has taken an accelerated pace. The 1990s are likely to be the decade in which the long-sought practical, economical electric vehicles will begin to be realized. The paper provides an overview of present status and future trends in electric vehicle propulsion systems, with emphasis on the impact of rapid development of electric motors and power electronics. The challenges of power electronics in other aspects such as battery chargers, electric brakes and other critical applications of electric vehicles are explored. The market size of electric vehicles in the coming years and the potential electric vehicle impacts are discussed.